Chicago Northwest Blog

Chicago’s Old World Tour for All Ages

Friday Enjoy all the small boutiques and restaurants of Long Grove Historic Village. Discover trendy and unique items and fun events all set within the historic architecture and natural beauty left by past generations. And no trip to this quaint community is complete without a factory tour of Long Grove Confectionary. Come and see their 2,500 pound solid chocolate Statue of Liberty and other amazing chocolate sculptures as part of the hour long factory tour.

Or if the weather isn’t behaving, enjoy one of the top ten largest malls in the country, Woodfield Mall. With nearly 300 stores there is truly something for everyone here.

For dinner enjoy Medieval Times Schaumburg and see how they did it in the Eleventh Century. Just beyond the doors of the Hall of Arms waits the celebration arena, the heart of Medieval Times. From high above King Philippe and his daughter in law, Princess Leonore, preside over a four-course feast. Below, privileged royal guests are transported to faraway lands.

Saturday We are an easy trip down Highway I-90 to downtown Chicago. Tour two of Chicago’s top museums in one day: The Adler Planetarium and The Field Museum of Natural History make up the Museum Campus in downtown Chicago and not only feature some of the top exhibits in the nation but also sport terrific views of the City of Chicago across the water from the peninsula. Start at the first planetarium built in the Western Hemisphere, The Adler Planetarium. From there walk back to the Field Museum and walk with the dinosours. The centerpiece of the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago is “Evolving Planet”–an exhibit that traces the evolution of life from the Cambrian period down to the present day. And as you might expect, the centerpiece of “Evolving Planet” is the Hall of Dinosaurs, which boasts such specimens as a rapetosaurus, cryolophosaurus and mosasaurus.

Bring box lunches and picnic on the peninsula’s park steps overlooking Monroe Harbor and a gorgeous view of the City or take a boat ride over to Navy Pier and enjoy any one of their many dining options.

For dinner take a drive up the Magnificent Mile and dine at the famous Lawry’s Steak House where they are prime rib is king. Walk the short distance to the John Hancock Building, take the elevator up to the 94th Floor and enjoy a panoramic view of our great City. Have a nightcap at the Signature Room before heading back to the ‘burbs.

Sunday Wake up to some fresh air. Stroll through the Spring Valley Nature Center in Schaumburg and enjoy the natural history museum, the 1880’s living history farm and experience pioneer cooking demos.

For lunch enjoy old world Italian cooking at the always popular Maggiano’s Little Italy or a traditional Chicago-style deep dish pizza at Uno Chicago Grill both in Schaumburg.